LACROSSE: WILMSLOW and Heaton Mersey shared the spoils after a gripping clash on the opening weekend of the new Men’s North of England League Premier Division season.

And it was Mersey who were the happier of the two sides after a first half to forget saw them 8-4 down at the break and with plenty left to do to get back into the contest.

But fight back they did, Mersey winning the third quarter 5-1 to level the match 9-9, with the final quarter shared 3-3 as both clubs looked to snatch a late win.

Attacker Tom Brooks, back playing for Wilmslow this season after a spell playing for Hudson Valley Community College in the United States, impressed with six goals in his first match of the new campaign.

Midfielder Dan Green and attacker Tommy Foster both contributed an assist each, while Stuart Craig won eight of 18 face-offs for the visitors.

But Mersey bravely battled back and were inspired by four goals from attacker Andy Zussman and fellow frontman Chris Battersby, the latter on song with a hat-trick.

Dan Heighway, Matt Beadle, Peter Hayes and Robin Foster all scored a goal each as the hosts completed a memorable comeback to grab a well-deserved point.

John Beadle won nine of 16 faces for Mersey as the quarters finished 2-3, 2-5, 5-1, 3-3.

Meanwhile, Wilmslow have recruited a string of new players over the summer.

As well as the return of Brooks, the club have signed England goalkeeper Nick Anderton from Boardman and Eccles.

Long-stick Mike Worral and Alix Davidson have joined from Poynton, Ian Davis has been brought in from Norbury and long-stick Ricky Evans is the club’s American Local Development Officer for the season.